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SL500 progress and thank you all!

Cheers Terry!

It would be a shame if the drawer and a tub full of wires, loom, connectors and shrink wrap would just sit on the shelf, while the lower harness wire just crumbling to pieces :banana1: Besides, I really do enjoy this type of work, table top, music on, no hurry... I like pretty wires!

In the early 90's, I worked at Circuit City in Mobile Electronics. These were the days before the YouTube, so education for the "proper" ways of doing things were acquired as hands on. We had a master installer that came to us from some custom audio shop out of California, Mark. He was willing to teach some tricks of the trade, as long as one was willing to learn, and until this day, I appreciate the "teachings" and the skill he was willing to share every time I get to to do some kind of wiring, build a subwoofer box or make a custom speaker grill.

That was a looooong time ago!

Regards,
D
D, You don’t know what a long time ago is. You have to pile on a lot more in years.:jono: I’m starting to believe that dirt was invented about the same time I showed up on the planet.

Unfortunately my experience is with mechanical stuff my neighbors had motorcycles when I was about 12. I used to help them tear down engines and stuff. I bought my first car in 1958. A 1946 Ford 2 door sedan for $100.00 from a school mate. It lasted one summer before I blew the engine and abandoned it on the side of the road. Next I drove my Dad’s 53 Chevy 2 door Belair. He worked on the railroad and I got to use the car 6 out of 7 days a week. I picked him up one time and he was a little pissed that I had installed a set of Fenton cast iron headers that I bought mail order from J.C Whitney and duel exhausts on his car that week. It was really loud but he got over it.

Anyway, I joined the Marines in 1960 and they sent me to Aircraft Mechanics School at the Naval Air Station, Memphis Tennessee. I became a reciprocating engine mechanic on radial aircraft engines. I was good at it and was 3rd in my class of 160. Anyway, the Marines said I could have 3 choices for duty stations. My first choice was Roda Spain , 2nd was in Japan and 3rd was ElToro in SoCal. BAM I was at ElToro a couple of days later. I never saw one airplane engine and went to a helicopter outfit down the road from ElToro. I ended up working on radial helicopter engines and eventually became a crew chief. They also trained me on Huey jet engines but I never saw one. The engines I worked on were 115/145 octane gasoline 9 cylinder radial engines about 1,600 HP.

Over the years I rebuilt a 64 Buick engine a 67 Caddy engine 3 or 4 ? Volkswagen engines. I could remove a VW Bus engine in about 10 minutes. A 1957 MB 190SL engine plus removing the whole drive train and had the drive shaft rebalanced and replaced the differential that my wife blew out while driving it one day and 1967 MB 230 six cylinder engine with a rod thru the cylinder wall that I bought from my wife’s girlfriend for $600.00. I also had a 1964 Euro 220 SEb w/ 4 speed manual on the floor. (The only car I regret selling) but at the time I could not afford to reupholster the leather interior.

All this along with lots of other stuff like brakes, shocks springs R&R transmissions. I lowered my 300E with Eibach Springs in the driveway and installed Koni Shocks on it also.

Lots of mechanical experience BUT very little electrical other than distributors points wires and plugs. I sold my 300E because I nor my tech guy (2 different Techs) could find an electrical gremlin that was eating alternators and A/C fan motors.

I have done solder work on various stuff over the years but am no expert.

Probably TMI, Sorry I got carried away.
 
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Well, that was quick... "my precious"

IMG_0785-XL.jpg

Not aftermarket, no DEPO (@Jlaa would approve :jono: )
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Side by side

IMG_0789-L.jpg

Naked and afraid (or not)

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Certainly not for the purists, and if I've had AMG Gen I styling package, I would have left the stock early units, but with Expression kit, I believe these facelift lights are better suited in terms of lines and design

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Very happy with these!

Regards,
D
 
Saturday morning drive, fall in Virginia, favorite time of the year!

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New lower harness, new motor mounts, new vacuum lines, fresh oil and filter... Very enjoyable drive!

Regards,
D

P.S. The motor mounts change costed me a hairline fracture of the rib and partially torn intercostal muscle. Top bolt on the driver's side was so tight, I felt a "pop", the rest was history (along with a week of muscle relaxers and daily naproxen.)
Was it worth it - she is running very smooth! :banana1:
 
Saturday morning drive, fall in Virginia, favorite time of the year!

View attachment 140443

New lower harness, new motor mounts, new vacuum lines, fresh oil and filter... Very enjoyable drive!

Regards,
D

P.S. The motor mounts change costed me a hairline fracture of the rib and partially torn intercostal muscle. Top bolt on the driver's side was so tight, I felt a "pop", the rest was history (along with a week of muscle relaxers and daily naproxen.)
Was it worth it - she is running very smooth! :banana1:
Sorry for your troubloes but keep up the great work your 129 looks fantastic! Great photo location too :coolphotos:
 
Sorry for your troubloes but keep up the great work your 129 looks fantastic! Great photo location too :coolphotos:
Cheers Joe!

I just need remind myself from time to time that I'm not 21 anymore, and need to be a bit more attentive to my proper body mechanics when wrenching on the car :gsxr2:

Rural Virginia is quite beautiful, and very enjoyable to drive, particularly empty country roads on early morning weekends!

Found me a last pieces of the lighting update, clear corner lenses, didn't want to deal with garbage reproductions. After searching for new old for stock for a while, found a set in Latvia, Magneti Marelli, reasonably priced at $100 shipped

magneti_marelli_clear_corners-XL.jpg

And that would complete full lighting transformation.

Regards,
D
 
Ok, so before the prices on these parts get to be equal to the usual "new" standard 5,000 EU or become NLA :hide1:

The actual order was as follows:

euro_headlights_corners-XL.jpg

Proper Euro spec headlight/E-code amber corner sets, left and right at a very very reasonable price of $219 per side, complete. I know my brother really wanted a set with e-code ambers for his silver R129, so he tagged alone on the order (I actually have a spare set complete Euro lights/corners for me, just in case :whistling2: Does it make me hoarder? Hmmmm... )

Regards,
D
 
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This was quick, ordered over the weekend, shipped on Monday, arrived on Friday, go cars245.com!!!

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Such nice pieces, took about 20min to unpackage all, wrapped, re-wrapped, and wrapped some more lol These will look great on a 744 silver color!

Regards,
D
 
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This was quick, ordered over the weekend, shipped on Monday, arrived on Friday, go cars245.com!!!

View attachment 140689

Such nice pieces, took about 20min to unpackage all, wrapped, re-wrapped, and wrapped some more lol These will look great on a 744 silver color!

Regards,
D
How much was shipping? That sit has some decently priced stuff. Thanks for sharing.
 
How much was shipping? That sit has some decently priced stuff. Thanks for sharing.
I think it was reasonable... we ended up splitting the order into 2: Clear corners pair - shipping was $10.00. For the headlights assemblies with corners, and the box is humongous, $73

P.S. I've used them from time to time for the last 5 years, and prices at times are absolutely great (yet, at times are just average). They do seem to have a decent selection, at least for W202 and R129...
 
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Definetly some odd brand names but im willing to try it for items such as door rubber gaskets, plastic clips, trims and things of that nature
 
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Interior leather upgrade:

I've been wanting to do this for few years now, just couldn't decide: the two tone, black with red inserts (as Mille Miglia edition R129) or all red seats and leaving the black side frames... I finally decided, after seeing these pictures of the Special Edition later R129 (I know it's a later interior, but the still, gives me an idea how I want it to look (less the red trimming of mats and the red dash bezel)...

red_leather-L.jpg

red_leather_1-L.jpg

red_leather_2-L.jpg


After looking through the actual leather samples, I've gone ahead, and placed an order for Scarlet Red with matching stitching, perforated center + extra material for the door inserts. This is going to be a spring project. I do have spare cushions for this project, so no down time (for the most part), I would however, would like to find a garbage door cards/panels for the inserts "harvesting"

Mood: Excited :jono:

Regards,
D

P.S. I would, however, consider custom Red face gauges, really like how those look on Porsches, red with white lettering

red_gauges_sample-L.jpg
 
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Clear Magneti Marelli lenses came in. Just ordered chrome/stealth bulbs to "defeat" the orange hue day time appearance... no local stores have them! And obligatory weekend morning drive

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The only lights left to be replaced are the fog lights lenes (have them, just waiting for the inspiration to crawl under the car to get it done (I do have to remove the horns to get to one side...)

And as a side note... I just realized, that updated/replaced headlights, corner lights, tail lights and the fog lenses - costed me exactly what I paid for entire car, about $900 :blink:

Regards,
D
 
New year, "new look" - chrome/stealth bulbs installed, looks so much cleaner. Too bad no local stores carry these any longer.

P1010122-X2.jpg

The other option was to get an LED units, but most do not guarantee that clear appearance with with orange color - would NOT require soldering a resistor (really wanted plug and play)

I like how these look...

Regards,
D
 
Interior leather upgrade:

I've been wanting to do this for few years now, just couldn't decide: the two tone, black with red inserts (as Mille Miglia edition R129) or all red seats and leaving the black side frames... I finally decided, after seeing these pictures of the Special Edition later R129 (I know it's a later interior, but the still, gives me an idea how I want it to look (less the red trimming of mats and the red dash bezel)...

View attachment 141198

View attachment 141199

View attachment 141200


After looking through the actual leather samples, I've gone ahead, and placed an order for Scarlet Red with matching stitching, perforated center + extra material for the door inserts. This is going to be a spring project. I do have spare cushions for this project, so no down time (for the most part), I would however, would like to find a garbage door cards/panels for the inserts "harvesting"

Mood: Excited :jono:

Regards,
D

P.S. I would, however, consider custom Red face gauges, really like how those look on Porsches, red with white lettering

View attachment 141201
So, let's get to this interior - skins and extra leather arrived! Unpackaged, and now softening/relaxing after the vacuum packaged travels:

P1050126-XL.jpg

Head rests included

P1050129-X2.jpg

I went with factory style, perforated centers and solid sides/bolsters

P1050127-XL.jpg

P1050128-XL.jpg

Overall I really like the quality so far. It is died through, fairly thinck

P1050132-XL.jpg

I do like the fact that the lining is attached (my last restoration skins did not)

P1050131-XL.jpg

And unlike my prior restoration bottom pieces, these have plastic channels attached (not thick cardboard like material)

P1050130-XL.jpg

Fitment - well, time will tell... Happy with what I have so far!

Regards,
D
 
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@Stegel From your photos and description they look good quality - who is the supplier?


These are Leather Seat Covers | Custom Leather Interior | Replacement Seat Covers | Lseat.com

I've seen the very popular gahh with somewhat less than desirable fitment results, particularly in R129 Replacing 2000 SL500 seat covers and I've seen lseat.com with very good results Lseat.com Leather Seat Covers??? - R3VLimited Forums for more complex units.

It is also partially due to the quality of installation and the prep work, but for the price, and for what I've seen, I had to at least try the lseat.com, so far - no disappointment at all. My previous work I did on one of the seats on R129 I've used topsonline.com, purchased it new (but second hand, someone decided not to use the skins). I can say that from what I'm seeing so far, quality of lseat as good or better (lining attached with lseat and better quality plastic channels), and at a price, I had to at least try them. Some time back I asked them for a sample swatch, received a nice card with all their leather pieces

IMG_1017-XL.jpg

Will see the fitment soon... I did pretty well with the bottom replacement before, but definitely will watch few videos from the pros for some tips and tricks.

Regards,
D
 
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Thanks for the prompt response. I’ll watch and see how you get on. My 129 seats are fine, but this is the year I start on my SEC project. The original velour interior was stripped out some years back and an appalling leather interior fitted, which has probably suffered from poor care too. I may well speak to them in the meantime and see if they will ship to the UK and request a swatch.
 
Surprisingly, at the completion of my reupholstery project, attempting to install the headrest covers became a real problem until I realized I was never going to get the covers on while I was holding the headrest. This was my solution.

Two holes in a board, clamped in a vise, with two vise grips on the backside clamped over some protective cloth. Hope this helps.

Look forward to your results. The covers look nice.
 

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Surprisingly, at the completion of my reupholstery project, attempting to install the headrest covers became a real problem until I realized I was never going to get the covers on while I was holding the headrest. This was my solution.

Two holes in a board, clamped in a vise, with two vise grips on the backside clamped over some protective cloth. Hope this helps.

Look forward to your results. The covers look nice.
Fun project, huh? While R129 headrests have no built in slide poles, It still will be a bit of a challenge for sure. I saved this video as a pro tip, check it out, looks like a great solution, will gladly take any pointers as such!


Regards,
D
 
Brilliant! That works great. The 124-headrest shape is one that facilitates installation of the cover. I forgot the 129 headrests are different. A second set of hands are helpful for all aspects of the seat reupholstery.
 
Brilliant! That works great. The 124-headrest shape is one that facilitates installation of the cover. I forgot the 129 headrests are different. A second set of hands are helpful for all aspects of the seat reupholstery.
This internet "thing" is a blessing and a curse! I love all the tips and tricks one can find on the web, youtube in particular! I remember in the early 90's, we had to actually pay for VHS video How To, by calling the number from the commercial printed on the back of various car audio magazines, with topics convers such as "Custom Fiberglass Fabrications", "Heat Forming ABS", "Custom Enclosure Design" and such. We were very young and eager to learn, so we often split the purchases between 3-4 friends so we can get those DIY videos. I actually had a software for subwoofer enclosure design, that once you've entered all the small thiele-small parameters, and the thickness of MDF to be used, it will even give you a full printed pages of the cuts, all from a wonderful 3.5" floppy disc.

Now, just google search...
 
This internet "thing" is a blessing and a curse! ... Now, just google search...
Or as my kids say, "Google knows"... which as near as I can tell is a cross between "Google it" and our "Bo Knows" from the 90s, judging by its close cousin "YouTube knows"... it's probably also revenge shorthand for "don't ask me, look it up", which they heard all too much from me growing up.

maw
 
Hopefully this link will work for you.

It does, thank you! Just signed up for their newsletter too!

Wouldn't that engine mount also fit the V8 124?
I really thought these are the same, same as W124 E500E, same as 400E and E420 and also same as R129 M119 fitted?
 
Me too. I saw where the site lists fitment but W124 is not listed. I would love it if it were an oversight on their part.
 
Me too. I saw where the site lists fitment but W124 is not listed. I would love it if it were an oversight on their part.
It's sort of an oversight. The 124-number used on the 034/036 was replaced by a different part number for the 129/140. They are all physically interchangeable. I don't know the difference between the 3 part numbers. My guess is some are stiffer than others.

1641854310530.png
 
Might be a good time to save on some 036 items that may be MB specific with no aftermarket quality equivalent. Fog lights come to mind.
Possibly flex disks?
 
I've missed my H&R springs that I sold when I was going to scrap the car, and wanted them back for a while, continuously back ordered from manufacturer with no ETA. Decided to order anyway and wait... Order placed Dec 6th from ECS (best price and free shipping), and today

H%26E_shipped_%2029853-L.jpg

Looks like spring will be fun indeed, also going to experiment with non-existing for R129 B8 shocks too

Regards,
D
 
It's been kind of a "dry season" for R129 at the local junk yards, now there is one:

1654857875378.png

I was waiting to harvest extra seat cushions for the driver's side for red interior re-do, as well as for a set of door panel inserts. My interior is as nice as any 27 years old interior could possibly look, almost no wear, so I don't want to butcher it...

Keeping fingers crossed, this one has all those spares I need! Off to gather some basic tools, get in the "tank" and

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And we score!

Driver's seat had some leather wear, but solid foam and frame! I did struggle for a bit trying to get to the x2 torx screws, the seat lever was broken, so no reclining... One kinda have to be a contortionist, and this one did not fail!

IMG_1786-L.jpg

I removed the leather of the base seat cushion on site, just to see how usable is the foam/structure of the seat bottom is, and the passenger side (interchangeable with driver's side), predictably is awesome!

IMG_1785-L.jpg

I have 2 spare head rests already, spare passenger side cushions, so almost ready to tackle this project.

As a side note, I wanted to get a spare set of window regulators/motors, yet, somehow, something always came up and never got to remove a set. Not until today. Just for grins, wanted to see how quickly can I do it:

Under 12min per side, including removing the door panels, all the trim, speaker baskets etc AND drilling out the rivets from the regulators. :banana2:

And the obligatory climate control, this one seemed to be really really nice shape literally no signs of wear on the buttons!

IMG_1789-L.jpg

I will probably start on the seats next week, need to order some Jute and the steamer and watch few more videos on upholstery tips and tricks, so it goes smooth

Regards,
D
 
Ok, so I had an itch, started with the headrests, figured that small and yet kind of a challenging part.

Out with the old in with the new

IMG_1801-XL.jpg

This video as exactly how id the headrests, vacuum and the shopping bag, worked perfectly!


Now, I'm no professional, and have not done any smacking or steaming

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After a little finessing, even better, can't wait to get a steamer, and it would be perfect!

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All in all, very happy how these is turning out!

Regards,
D
 
I did. Still need to install the head unit and take the car to someone that can steam out a few wrinkles here and there. That red leather is going to look awesome!
 
Ok, so I had an itch, started with the headrests, figured that small and yet kind of a challenging part.

Out with the old in with the new

View attachment 148233

This video as exactly how id the headrests, vacuum and the shopping bag, worked perfectly!


Now, I'm no professional, and have not done any smacking or steaming

View attachment 148234

View attachment 148235

After a little finessing, even better, can't wait to get a steamer, and it would be perfect!

View attachment 148236

View attachment 148237

All in all, very happy how these is turning out!

Regards,
D
D, That RED is :hot:
 
I bought $21 steamer from Walmart this morning, it really works miracles, since you mentioned some wrinkles to be worked out!

So here it is, driver's side is done, still need to massage it out, and do so smacking stretching, but very happy with the looks

IMG_1820-XL.jpg

One absolutely have to use jute or similar imo on the older seats, as I quite certain, when new leather is ordered, the covers are made from the template of the new seats. Time and ass chews up the seats and compresses the foam etc, so new skins are often have some sagging areas. So I took advise of the old automotive upholsterer from few years ago, and added a layer of material, similar to what MB uses.

These are stock spares

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The driver's bolster is a bit tired

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Now, we add the material

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All surfaces with added padding

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Bottom as well

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And the final product

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Again, still some massaging to do, started a bit, the steamer works really on getting rid of the stubborn wrinkles

IMG_1812-XL.jpg

Very rewarding, but very time consuming for sure... Passenger set will do next week.

Regards,
D
 
I agree with your comments about supplementing the padding / jute / foam. Absolutely. Those turned out excellent! It took me much time as well, but most things do the first time. I was noticeably quicker with the second seat. I'll have a look for the steamer. Thanks!
 
I have not driven the Red Devil for about 2 months, time was not on my side, was parked at my parents house, and I wanted to really get to know the Porsche (which I now enjoy more and more).

I picked it up last night, checked all the fluids, started right up, and what an enjoyable car to drive!!! that slogan "Fire and Silk": I know this car is no .036, but it does share a bit of DNA, the suspension, the engine, the transmission, etc...

It is absolutely silky smooth at idle, quiet and plush, specially compare to S2! I took it through the car wash, and had to look at my tach just to make sure that the car is on, and it indeed was idling just fine! It is dialed pretty well by now (and I appreciate all the knowledge shared on the forum a great deal!!!), with all the new ignition components, all new vacuum lines and connections, always clean oil, newer motor mounts, etc... Silky it certainly is, M119 is quite an incredible engine!

And it lights your ass on Fire effortlessly, particularly with FGSVB, the smile on my face is quite endless, it just keeps on pulling and pulling and pulling! And when you reach that speed you are comfortable with, ease up the gas pedal, and Silky it is once again, just cruising... Quick look at the rear view mirror at the other cars behind you, and the smile is back on.

I absolutely love this thing!

i-3rncdBq-XL.jpg

I still need to finish the other seat, still need to upgrade the brakes to the late 334/300mm (that I will do in the fall)

Regards,
D
 
So I decided to get out and get my face stuffed with all I can eat sushi... Universe said:

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About 2 miles from the house, started to hear harmonic squeaking at speed, seemed like coming from the center of console/transmission tunnel area. Faster I went, more like a "helicopter sound" with a slight vibration...

U-turn, slowly drove home. Under 30mph all the issues were gone. Put the car on the jack stands, my drive shaft biscuits are about 10K miles on them and are SGF, and I remember that I torqued them properly, they exhibited no issues, the rattle/squeak is definitely coming from the center section, I'm guessing I'm for the carrier bearing replacement...

This also means the entire exhaust needs to be removed, including unbolting it from the manifolds, fun!!! Too hot to do anything, looks like I will have to park it for a month or so, reluctantly :cry:

Regards,
D
 
124 410 01 10

003-981-23-25 supercedes to 008-981-43-25 so technically, both numbers are correct. Note this is ONLY the bearing... the rubber dust boot may need replacement as well.
...

All the above info is good for both 124.034 and .036, all years 400E420 and E500E.

:strawberry:
@gerryvz or @gsxr Can I trouble you guys for possibly guiding me to correct part numbers for my car?

center_bearing_package-M.png

I don't believe 1 is available any longer as a kit for R129... Replacing 6, 7 and 8 from the diagram I assume? Should these be the correct parts to order for WDBFA67EXSF113321

6: 1404100781 "Center Support"
7: 0089814325 "Bearing"
8: 2024110497 "Coupling boot"

Other than exhaust hangers and hardware bolts, I assume those above is all than I need for the actual center bearing/carrier replacement?

Many thanks in advance!

Regards,
D
 
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